What the heck is a Soft Autumn?

I've recently been contacted by a lady who had been categorized a Soft Autumn - in fact, it had initially been suggested that she might be a 'Soft Summer'. Now one is Warm and one is Cool - so what's that all about?

'Different' methods of Color Analysis are always popping up but I never give them a great deal of thought. Both the Tonal and Seasonal methods work perfectly well and complement each other.

After all every method comes down to the same straight-forward idea of connecting or matching color charcteristics with your own natural characteristics.

When you surround yourself with colors that echo your own natural coloring then you create balance. Simple!

Soft Autumn - you may be diluting your color palette #soft autumn #color analysis https://www.style-yourself-confident.com/soft-autumn.html

But some methods of Color Analysis do nothing but create confusion. Let me explain...

AUTUMN, for example, is made up of 3 color characteristics - MUTED (soft), DEEP and WARM.

So if you are AUTUMN you are always MUTED (soft), always DEEP and always WARM - these 3 characteristics have to be present to actually determine you an Autumn.

Your natural coloring is softly blended, richly elegant with the most classic shades - in fact a 'classy' color palette.

A true AUTUMN color palette

AUTUMN palette from Kettlewell Colours

OK so what is Soft Autumn?

As a Soft Autumn you are directed and limited to the softest, most muted, colors within the AUTUMN color palette.

With a restricted range of colors the shades become so specific that it's extremely difficult to recognize them and almost impossible to shop because your choice is so limited.

You're not a TRUE AUTUMN - so you've got to be something else!

So you've got Soft/Muted coloring?

As you're being directed to the Muted/Soft colors then obviously softness is an important element in your natural coloring. And if MUTED is that obvious in your color direction then it probably means that MUTED is your primary characteristic.

Rather than having a limited array of colors you could probably be enjoying the whole spectrum of the MUTED color family.

If you are strongly MUTED, then you will probably have elements of both Warm and Cool just like the shades in the MUTED Color Family.

All the colors in both the SUMMER and AUTUMN color palettes have an element of Softness so you can begin to see a connection here. Every color will not be your best of course but you could have the pleasure of many more colors than the small restricted palette you've been given already. You may choose to wear the lightest colors more frequently (rather like the Summer palette) but, if the mood takes you, you can choose to wear the stronger shades, they all have the 'greyed down' soft element. The most important thing is that you should have a wide mix to experiment, play with and ENJOY!

Whether Seasonal or Tonal you need choice...

Why are some people still nervous about Color Analysis? Probably because they think their color choice is going to be severely limited. And this kind of Analysis does just that.

When I was first introduced to Color Analysis I felt very 'put out' when I was given a small swatch and told what I 'could' and 'couldn't' wear by a very dogmatic consultant. Probably like you, I don't like being 'told' what to do. Only you know what makes you feel good and what you need is choice.

Color Analysis should give you the widest possible choice of shades that will harmonize with and enhance your natural coloring. Your best colors should be pointed out but if some colors are new you should be encouraged to experiment. Our choice is usually influenced by mood and occasion anyway.

If your color direction is correct you will see many familiar and favorite shades and your own instincts are reinforced. Color is a fabulous medium, it's here to be enjoyed and it's FUN!

and if you really are a True AUTUMN, then don't dilute it!

A True Autumn color swatch should include shades of every color - reds, blues, greens, yellows, purples, greys, beige, browns. Each one has elements of the Muted, Warm and Deep characteristics that complement your natural coloring.

You'll have your favorites, some will look better than others. Season to season you'll be influenced by fashion and your tastes will develop and change.

You'll choose your stronger or softer colors according to mood and occasion; professional, conservative, holiday time etc. but as long as you're within your color direction you really can't go wrong. Don't let this beautiful color palette be diluted!